I’ve written about The Big Lie many times over the years, and it’s more in evidence today than ever before in our nation’s capital. Shock and disgust over sexual harassment in government, Hollywood, and the corporate world is a Big Lie. Tax reform is a Big lie. Social Security is a Big Lie. Global warming is a Big Lie. Braying over the plight of so-called Dreamers is a Big Lie. And, of course, any government solution to the healthcare crisis is a Big Lie.

The Big Lie is a tool used by high-level, professional liars, those who are so morally flawed that they are able to apply their craft with a straight face — as in, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”

These accomplished liars understand that the key to effectively utilizing The Big Lie is to refuse to give ground even when the facts threaten to expose you. On the contrary, effective tellers of The Big Lie are masters at feigning indignation, adopting a sanctimonious posture, and quickly going on the offensive when challenged.

The most masterful perpetrators of The Big Lie are those who wear personality masks intended to deceive. They are, in the words of M. Scott Peck, “People of the Lie.”

A few examples include:

Media personalities who posit themselves as professional commentators while relentlessly pushing their hate-inspired agendas. They are, in fact, People of the Lie.

Politicians who cast themselves as champions of “women’s rights,” defenders of the “middle class,” or protectors of “the poor” in an effort to win votes. They are, in fact, People of the Lie.

Those who justify the use of violence by claiming to be in hot pursuit of “social justice.” They are, in fact, People of the Lie.

Et al.

People of the Lie have always been with us and will continue to be with us so long as the human race exists. They do and say whatever they believe is necessary to accomplish their ends, which almost always includes achieving power over others. In fact, in most cases power is the end. In his book 1984, George Orwell, through his character O’Brien, underscored this reality when he said:

Now tell me why we [the Party] cling to power? What is our motive? Why should we want power? … The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. … We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end. … The object of power is power.

It’s worth noting that power and force are not mutually exclusive ends, because a person can use his personal power to act either constructively or destructively, and the ultimate destructive use of power is force. Force is the use of physical or intellectual power to compel or restrain, thus force robs other people of their power.

In bygone days, the civilized world did not hesitate to use overwhelming, retaliatory force to destroy People of the Lie who tried to establish power over massive numbers of people through the use of force. Despots like Hitler and Mussolini were crushed without ceremony. Nevertheless, it is obvious to all but the sleepwalkers among us that People of the Lie are in positions of power more than ever before and are taking ever-greater control of world events.

Sadly, this will not change any time soon. You and I do not have the means to rid the world of lying tyrants, but we can control how People of the Lie affect us on a personal level by being vigilant, well informed, and willing to face up to the truth about who these people are when they cross our paths.

If it’s obvious that someone is wearing a psychic mask — i.e., trying to represent himself to be someone other than who he really is — it’s almost always a big mistake to try to convince yourself that it’s your imagination. In my experience, when someone hisses like a snake and slithers like a snake, he always turns out to be a snake.

By all means, you should give family, friends, and seemingly well-meaning people who come into your life the benefit of the doubt. But when it comes to those whom you suspect of being be People of the Lie, giving them the benefit of the doubt can be an invitation to a snakebite.

In other words, at the first sign of dishonesty, it’s wise to resist the temptation to be naïve. Do you really believe the teller of The Big Lie is going to respond to your presentation of facts by saying, “Gee, I hadn’t really thought about it in that way before. I guess I was wrong.” Forget it. People of the Lie actually thrive on telling The Big Lie; it’s what they live for.

What I’ve learned through all too much firsthand experience is that the most rationally selfish way to handle People of the Lie is to respond with my feet. Plain and simple, you do not have an obligation to allow a person of questionable character to enter, or remain in, your life.

And what about People of the Lie who roam the halls of Congress? While it may not be possible to completely extricate yourself from government busybodies who seek ever more control over your life, it is possible to lessen their control by making a conscious effort to steer clear of them.

How does one go about doing that? First and foremost, by not looking to People of the Lie in Washington to solve his problems. As recent events in the nation’s capital have clearly demonstrated, the freeloading charlatans in Washington cannot even solve their own problems.

That said, I would suggest it’s a good idea to keep in mind Ronald Reagan’s admonition that government is not the solution to our problem, but, rather, government is the problem. Then, once this reality is firmly entrenched in your mind, the challenge is to plan your life accordingly.

+Robert Ringer is an American icon whose unique insights into life have helped millions of readers worldwide. He is also the author of two New York Times #1 bestselling books, both of which have been listed by The New York Times among the 15 best-selling motivational books of all time.

33 responses to “People of the Lie”

Robert, I agree with you – but please explain to us, how we, the ones without financial power or positional power can extricate ourselves from the problematic government who own The Big Lie without an en mass revolt which would most certainly lead to a civil war. Our nation is on the brink of such now – as close as it has been since the Civil War. I am but one. How do I evade that which invades every aspect of my life?

Revolt / Revolution is an merely an attempt to replace one government of Force with another, ho hum! All governments are designed to “permit” force. That game has gone on and on since the beginnings of history.

The best “hope” we have is the inevitable coming Global Great Collapse, which will likely put all nations and their governments out of business. Then it’s up to the survivors (likely few) to recognize the problem and refuse to be Ruled. That will mean no more Rulers to execute Force. Hopefully we will never again be so foolish as to allow ourselves to be so Ruled.

June, I cannot advise you on how to live your life, as in all cases, the answer lies within you. What I found so valuable was to turn off the TV and monitor everything that I read, watch and listen to. Plus, I monitor who I spend time with. I plan my life to attract good people and valuable work opportunities. Like Mr. Ringer suggests, just walk away. The TV has an off switch. The radio has a dial to change channels; the Internet has many thousands of informative and valuable podcasts. The library has many wonderful books. I seek sources of inspiration in many forms. You can do the same. If you believe we become what we digest, mentally and physically, then take the action to be happy do what is best for you and achieve peace of mind. One more example, I used to be a football player and then a coach. I loved the game. But I love my county more. I made the choice to stop watching NFL Football. As you may be aware, I am not alone in this decision. Instead, last year I purchased a membership to a museum and spend part of my Sunday with beautiful, inspired art, and very nice people who appreciate it, and I volunteer at a local dog rescue to walk the dogs. My regret is I did not do this sooner. But I choose to look forward, not backward. I choose to use my personal power for good. I hoped this offers you some clarity. I truly wish you well.

Your advice, Frank, is indeed very sound! Surrounding ourselves with the people, books, images, and influences that are desirable and promote freedom and individual choice as opposed to coercive aggression (the mainstay of all govts.) will bring more of that good into our lives. I am not rude, but try my best to dissociate myself with the propaganda folks, and I never listen to the lamestream media liars. Scott Peck was really onto something with his concept of "The People of the Lie" and Washington & Hollywood in particular are full of them. When you understand that their desire is in no way benevolent, but merely designed to entrench and increase their own power, it makes it easy to walk away. I too have lessened my sports-viewing, as it is now another example of p.c. bulls**t being aired. We are in control of our minds and most aspects of our lives. The govt. thieves are not going away and will try their best to enslave us every day, but we can limit our interaction with them.

Good reminder that we cannot control the Big Lies from Washington, the media, Hollywood, or even the people users around us, but we can control how we react when our common sense kicks in! When you get that instinct that something's wrong, it is. Leave the room. Don't return! Keep reading Robert Ringer.

This is what I figured out.The Democrats lie and use force to get across their phony narratives such as "helping the poor" and allowing illegals into our country" to help protect" the poor huddled masses" when they just want votes
no matter what the consequences.
The republicans (who have many democrats in their rank and have been exposed recently) mainly lie to protect "establishment politics".They aren't known for force but are masters of eating their own to "keep things the way they are"

These" people of the lie" are pros at lying. Tell a lie(s) big enough,
often enough, and the unthinking masses will accept it every time.
Washington D.C. is a cesspool of t#*ds, and the stench is over
whelming. Most Govt. agencies have been corrupted beyond
redemption. We alone cannot stop it, but we must be aware of
it, that is the first step to self preservation, and sanity.
Thanks Robert keep em coming.

So well stated, thank you, Robert. In my humble opinion, the corruption in the swamp in Washington and the media is thick, deep and smells very bad, the same with Hollywood. We could ad banking to the list as well. My answer has been to follow my heart, build a good life, and surround myself with good people, set and achieve goals, and seek to understand myself, and what it takes to have peace of mind. By the way, I found it. In part thanks to Robert Ringers books. Thank you Robert. Frank Candy

Well, I agree with what u said, but WHAT is the point? Is it a FURTHER reminder that WE have way MORE control over our OWN lives than we realize? Being an entrepreneur, I have ALWAYS resented anything and any body that said I could not, should not, or that I NEED THEIR permission to do something. I have done MANY things others have said were "Impossible!" But look at our current PRESIDENT! He has done the same-to the UTMOST degree! He has his HATERS and those ALWAYS trying to bring up a failure in his PAST. But he PREVAILS. We should do the same! Even our Lord JESUS was perfect, yet certain of the "ELITE" hated him as well!

As despicable as all the sexual harassment stuff is – especially to the victims – I am delighted to see libtard liars like Charlie Rose, and Hollywood "icons" like Weinstein, Spacey et al. exposed for the criminals they really are. Even a serial rapist like Bubba Clinton is finally going to be brought down, and none too soon! Power does corrupt and most of the criminality in DC and Hollywood is because these folks think they are invincible and have power over everyone else, so personal morality is not even a concern for them. We can always bring back morals and ethics into our own lives, but I doubt we will see it be a major trend in our culture, which is unfortunate, but the former is enough for a satisfying life.

Anybody who lies, also steals. Both are two sides of the dishonesty coin. Think about that one. I often think about it when thinking about and dealing with the ubiquitous People of the Lie and People of the Steal in life.

Can't think of an example? Well, I can. How about the Government. They lie. And they steal. Here is an example, among billions, as with Obamacare. Health insurance premiums will go down. Oh really? Where I work they went up 58% for this coming year. That was a lie. Now, the Govrrnment steals. How is that? Well, the Government STEALS your hard-earned money under the name of "taxation". So there you have it. If you lie, you steal. I rest my case..

I don't know who to believe or who to trust anymore. Congress, this and past administrations, the media and my politicized friends have all inundated me with so much information that I just cannot decide what is fact from fiction anymore. Is climate change man-made or natural? – beats me … did a politician commit sexual assault? – don't know for sure, maybe the accusations are a political plot, or maybe not … did the Russians interfere with the election? … maybe, maybe not, and which party did the Russians mess with? I am clueless as to what the truth is. Anyone who responds here with the "facts" will only raise my suspicions that they have an agenda, the truth be damned.
I am leaning towards unsubscribing from all the political blogs and not tuning in to CNN, FOX or any other news broadcasts, and simply focusing my energy on what I need to do to for myself and my family to make the best of whatever our gov't dishes out to us. I feel powerless to effect any meaningful change … talking about it to people who are resistant to changing their point of view is a complete waste of my time.

Enter
TO BE GOOD AMERICAN
-LOVE AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
-RESPECT AND SUPPORT OUR US CONSTITUTION
-ADHERE TO THE TENETS OF JUDEO-CHRISTIANITY
-HONOR ALL OTHER RELIGIONS THAT SUSTAIN FREEDOM OF CHOICE
-CARRY OUT THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
-TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO WILLINGLY PRACTICE THESE PRINCIPLES
–

When I saw "People of the Lie", I immediately thought of the book by that title. Surprised and pleased I was to discover we meant the same book. That said, there is a subtle lack of clarity at the beginning of your article, which isn't reflected in the rest of it, and seldom reflected in your other writings. What did you mean by "Tax reform is a Big lie. Social Security is a Big Lie."? I can think of several reasons why this might be so. As for Social Security, they took the money to fund it by force, and I want my money back. The only way I can get it back is to let them pay me over time. I take what I can get. If I had been allowed to invest it wisely (always a challenge, not always successfully met), then I'd have a lot more money than I'm getting. But I take what I can get. So which part of it is a lie? The promise that they'll give it back at a reasonable level? The scheme itself? All of the above? And now that they have my money, what else can I do about it, if anything? Beats me!

Here is another one. Modern medicine is a Big Lie. They promise health, and deliver dependency on toxic drugs that will break you financially, so pharmaceutical executives can have power. Try to stop them. They'll foist them off on you anyway, and you get to suffer the consequences. Often this is done behind your back when you are vulnerable. If we could stop doctors from poisoning us, we'd save a ton of money. And we'd be healthy for a change.

Just to clarify, global warming, if it exists, is not caused by human activity. It's caused by the sun and volcanoes. We can lay that one to rest. This is a classic case of scientific fraud.

Thank you for your capital/capitol observation. One way the distinction between the two words has been blurred is through the existence of a National Hockey League franchise called the Washington Capitals. In other words, the Washington Dollars or Washington Money, or Washington Bucks, etc.

Circa 1950 there was a team in the NBA called the Washington Capitols. This is/was the correct spelling and meaning, akin to the Washington baseball team of long duration which was called the Washington Senators, another political reference.

Maybe the name of the current Washington hockey team is a reference to the U.S. Treasury Department, but I doubt it. You should contact them and invite them to correct the spelling of the team name. Of course they will not even respond to you, but that is another story.

Hi again, Eagle Eye. Much to my surprise, I just received an email response from the Washington Capitals customer service desk. The man insists that the word "capital' refers to a building or a state legislative body, not to finance. Of course, checking Miriam-Webster and Investopedia, I find them to be in direct conflict with the team representative who responded to me, and right on board with your interpretation. Hey, if they correctly change the team name, YOU started it! For now they are in denial that they are wrong on this issue, and probably nothing will change, OR, they could just call themselves Washington Caps and leave it at that.

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I hope this does not sound frivolous, but one of the reasons I am a passionate cat lover is because of their instinctive, undeviating honesty. I adopt stray cats, that is, I take them out of their survival crisis ordeal into my home so that they become well-fed, protected, and warm in the wintertime, plus they come into the knowledge that they are valued and cared for, at least by me.

With all this, they never deviate from honesty when they disagree with me. I have one cat, a big, orange and white Maine Coon, who lashes out at me when her (supervised) play time outdoors is over, by trying to scratch me. Also, she starts her LOUD whining to go outdoors every morning when it is still dark outside. She is one extremely high-maintenance female who runs my life a lot more than I bargained for when I rescued her from the perils of oncoming winter, two years ago.

Instead of becoming upset with her, I just reaffirm to myself that she is simply expressing her need to enjoy a full life, given that she is really an outdoor cat with an indoor home. Even though I rescued her, she never "sells out" to me, never defers to me like I have leverage and power over her life.

No human being can act autonomous in this way without paying an excessive price. We have to jump through hoops to accommodate landlords, cops, bosses, politicians, bureaucrats, teachers, parents, and sometimes even bitchy/complaining neighbors, et al. And when we do not, we get our head handed to us on a platter. So that I admire cats for their courage and their~ in your face honesty,~ given that no human being can live with that level of direct honesty, without paying a severe price. A cat can live honestly and courageously – without compromise – whereas a human being with any regard for the consequences attached to autonomous and free-spirited behavior cannot do so.

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